MOGADISHU — Two Somali officials, who have been accused of corruption by the Somali government, have vehemently denied the allegations on Wednesday, insisting that they are being targeted for political reasons. They argued that the recent anti-corruption campaign is driven by political motivations, raising doubts about its impartiality.
In an interview with the London-based Somali news television station, Universal TV, Dr. Mohamed Aden Jimale, also known as Koofi, the former Director of the Somali Immigration and Naturalization Directorate and one of the accused officials, addressed the corruption charges against him, proclaiming that they are a blatant attempt to hinder his candidacy for the presidency of Galmudug State.
Koofi firmly believes that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his reputation and jeopardizing his chances of securing the regional leadership position.
Similarly, Muhudin Ahmed Jurus, known as Saabey, the Director of the Inland Revenue, Ministry of Finance who is facing similar charges, expressed his disbelief in the accusations.
Saabey who spoke to the online Somali news outlet, Geylan Media stated that the charges are a clear effort to undermine his chances and election campaign for the presidency of Hirshabelle State. He questioned the timing of the allegations, suggesting that they were strategically designed to derail his political ambitions.
Both officials denounced the ongoing anti-corruption campaign as nothing more than a political witch-hunt.
Their claims add to the growing controversies surrounding the campaign, which has faced allegations of bias and selectivity in its execution. The Somali government has not yet responded to these allegations made by the accused officials.
As the debate surrounding the true intentions of the anti-corruption campaign and the potential influence of political motivations continues to intensify, the accusations by the accused officials contribute to the ongoing discussion and raise concerns about the campaign’s integrity.
POSITION GRAB SUSPICIONS
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has repeatedly warned that the government’s new anti-corruption initiative will spare no one involved in the pervasive corruption that hampers the country’s progress.
However, recent developments have cast doubt on the president’s promises, raising concerns about potential hidden agendas, specifically related to unlawful position grabs by arresting holders under dubious charges to install loyalists and relatives.
The government’s campaign against corruption began with the arrests of several individuals, including the Director General of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, on corruption charges. Yet, despite the lengthy duration of their detention, which has now exceeded two months, no formal legal charges have been presented against the suspects in violations of the country’s provisional Constitution, which stipulates that arrested individuals should be brought before the court within two weeks of their detention, rather than being held indefinitely.
Adding to the growing intrigue, the appointment of the son-in-law of the Speaker of the House of People as the new Director General of the Labour Ministry took place while the former DG, who remains in custody, was not formally replaced. This move has heightened speculation surrounding the government’s anti-corruption efforts, implying potential ulterior motives behind these actions.
Insiders familiar with the president’s inner circle have reported a systematic plan aimed at replacing all Director Generals across various Ministries, especially those appointed during former President Mohamed Farmaajo’s term.
Already, the Director Generals of the Ministries of Planning, Defense, Health, Interior and Federalism, and Foreign Affairs have been replaced, indicating a broader reorganization within the government.
Sources have also revealed that the Director Generals of the Ministries of Education and Information are next in line for potential changes, hinting at an imminent reshuffling of key positions within the administration.
Meanwhile, as the battle against corruption rages on, mounting concerns surround the true motivations behind these strategic moves. Many are now questioning whether these actions truly reflect the government’s avowed mission to eradicate corruption or if they primarily serve as a vehicle to secure influential positions for favored individuals.
Skepticism persists as the public seeks transparency and clarity in the ongoing fight against corruption.
CONCERNS OVER UNQUALIFIED AUDITOR
The Somali gGovernment’s anti-corruption campaign, despite having garnered some public support, yet it is facing increasing scrutiny due to the involvement of an Auditor General who lacks the necessary qualifications and is widely perceived as biased in graft investigations.
Experts warn that these growing concerns among the public pose a risk to the government’s efforts to effectively combat corruption and restore public trust.
Ahmed Isse Gutale, a former local radio journalist and member of the President’s election campaign, who was recently appointed as the country’s Auditor General lacks the expertise and qualifications required to manage the Office of the Auditor General.
According to Somali officials, this situation has raised widespread concerns about corruption, bias and selectivity within the campaign itself.
The appointment of Gutale, 37, who recently held his first press conference since his controversial appointment, has done little to assuage the media and public concerns surrounding his qualifications and appointment. As a result, worries about the politicization of this crucial office have intensified.
Critics attribute Gutale’s inability to address these concerns to his limited knowledge and experience in matters related to the responsibilities of the Auditor General and auditing in general.
His appointment, allegedly influenced by political considerations, has sparked concerns among international donors, resulting in a strain on their coordination with the Somali government.
The concerns by international donors have raised doubts regarding the effectiveness of collaborative efforts and joint initiatives.
The uncertain nature of these challenges has also prompted Somalia’s international partners to demand the replacement of Gutale, citing the need for a more suitable candidate.
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